Utley feels "good on a daily basis"

Chase Utley still has a long road in front of him, but he's taking a big step forward.

The Phillies second baseman, who missed most of spring training and has been on the disabled list all season, is heading to Clearwater, Fla., for extended spring training and hopes to play Monday.

"I'm excited about it. I've made some strides over the past few months and I'm ready to take the next step," Utley said after the Phillies' 5-1 loss to the Marlins on Sunday.

"Just trying to feel comfortable on a daily basis," Utley said. "There were times where I’d feel good one day and the next day I didn’t feel good, so right now, I’ve been feeling good on a daily basis, so I’m heading down to Clearwater to get some at-bats. I plan on DHing to start out with. I’ll be able to see some pitches, get my timing down, and when the time is right, I’ll get out on the field and work there."

One of the big things GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has said Utley wanted to improve upon was his leg strength with the hopes that would help improve his power, and so far, Utley said things are going well in that department.

"They’re definitely stronger at this point than they were last year," he said. "I’ll continue to keep building on that."

Utley said he has no time frame for when he'll play in the field, when he'll start official rehab games or when he might return to the Phillies' 25-man roster.

OTHER NEWS

Erik Kratz was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for pitcher Vance Worley, who will be activated before Monday's game. He is expected to start against the Dodgers.